Chapter 13: Graphic Novels

This is more of a form/format.  Graphic Novels can be history, fantasy, nonfiction, and all sub genre.  Graphic novels are not just for kids- they can span from kids to adults.  There are even adaptations of original texts into GN form.  GN can be enjoyable AND informative.  GN's are a "logical extension of the comic book."  GN's are longer and more developed than picture books.  The illustrations are a key part of the story.  GN's can be used in the classroom because they still include literary elements and can make some abstract concepts more concrete.  They can also help develop visual literacy skills.

When looking at graphic novels, consider:

• color
• line
• speech balloons 
• composition of illustration
• space
• frames
• media and technique/style of illustration 

Major types of GN's include:

• Manga: Japanese style comics. 
• Superhero Story: taken once brief comics and turned them into epic sagas
• Personal Narratives ("Perzines"): autobiographical stories 
• Non-fiction: written from author's personal experiences, but about a greater social issue

GN's help promote literacy in a number of ways:

• Motivation
• help teach mood and tone
• benefit kids with special needs
• still contain literary elements
• still have content area literacy  (historical fiction, science fiction, nonfiction) 

As a young teacher, I used to hate when my students only checked out graphic novels because I thought they weren't really "reading."  But I was so wrong.  Now that I've spent more time reading graphic novels, I can see how they really contribute to reading- in so many ways!  And the fact that graphic novels have really evolved from when I first started teaching- there are so many graphic novels in a variety of genres and sub genres.  There's also so many ways to use them in teaching.  I think as a librarian, I will want to encourage teachers to use more graphic novels in their teaching!